It is the right of all children with disabilities in the United States to have Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This is guaranteed by the federal government under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
FAPE and IDEA mean that all public schools (both district and charter) must create a specialized academic plan, referred to as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), for children with special needs. They must do this within 30 calendar days after the child is determined eligible. However, it is important to remember that just because a child has a disability or impairment, he or she may not automatically qualify for special education services. The IEP process must be followed in order to qualify and receive services.
Facilitated IEP (FIEP) meetings are now available by request through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website. Parents and school personnel are finding that the use of an independent facilitator can assist in the IEP team process. A facilitator is a neutral person who helps guide the student-centered focus of the meeting.
504 Plan
Some students with disabilities may not require an IEP under the IDEA, however, they may qualify for a 504 plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A 504 plan is a blueprint or plan for how a child will have access to learning at school. It provides services and changes to the learning environment to meet the needs of the child as adequately as other students.
To qualify for a 504 plan, there are two requirements:
- A child has any disability, which can include many learning or attention issues.
- The disability must interfere with the child’s ability to learn in a general education classroom.
Section 504 has a broader definition of a disability than IDEA. It says a disability must substantially limit one or more basic life activities, such as learning. Therefore, a child who doesn’t qualify for an IEP might still be able to get a 504 plan.
Schools for Exceptional Learners
Cornerstones of Care – Gillis School
Ages Served: 6-19
Grades Served: K-12
8150 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
Phone: (816) 508-3500
cornerstonesofcare.org
Focus: Intensive combination of special education and therapy services
KVC – Niles
Grades Served: K-12
1911 E. 23rd St.
Kansas City, M0 64127
Phone: (866) 582-2273
Admissions: (913) 890-7468
hospitals.kvc.org
Focus: Trauma-Focused Care and on-site therapeutic services
Sherwood Autism Center
Ages Served: 5-21
Grades Served: K-12
8030 Ward Parkway Plaza
Kansas City, MO 64114
Phone: (816) 333-3344
sherwoodcenter.org
Focus: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Horizon Academy
Grades Served: 1-12
4901 Reinhardt Drive
Roland Park, KS 66205
Phone: (913) 789-9443
horizon-academy.org
Focus: Dyslexia, Auditory Processing Disorder, Dysgraphia, Receptive Language Disorder, Dyscalculia, ADHD
Plaza Academy
Grades Served: 7-12
3930 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: (816) 561-0770
plazaacademy.org
Focus: Gifted and talented students who have advanced developmentally beyond their peers and who require a more adult academic and social environment.
Teenagers with learning disabilities who require a specially designed curriculum and daily individual attention.
Teenagers who are dissatisfied with their peer and family relationships which accompany problems at school.
Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) & Charter Schools
Both KCPS and charter schools offer many special education services to students who live in the KCPS boundaries.
- KCPS: Call (816) 418-8941 or visit them at kcpublicschools.org
- Charters: Contact individual charter schools for information about their special education services
Private Schools
Some private schools in the KCPS boundaries also serve children with special needs. Please check with individual private schools to confirm which schools provide services appropriate for your child.
Additional Resources
Missouri Parents Act (MPACT)
MPACT’s staff is made up of parents of children with disabilities, therapists and educators who can help to answer some of your questions. Find out about the services offered at MPACT at 1-800-743-7634. Visit www.missouriparentsact.org
Missouri Family to Family
Missouri Family to Family is a family driven organization that can support you, as we do other families, by listening, training, and connecting you with quality resources specific to your situation. Think of us as your resource center.
Contact: 1-800-444-0821 Visit: mofamilytofamily.org
Foundation for Inclusive Religious Education (FIRE)
Several local Catholic schools welcome students with special needs into classrooms through the FIRE Foundation. The FIRE Foundation, an independent, non-pro t organization, makes it possible for partner Catholic schools to hire special educators and paraprofessionals and to acquire learning materials and technology that create successful learning experiences for all children. You can learn more about their services and their school partners at firefoundation.org.
For More Information
Contact Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Office of Special Education
Phone: 573-751-5739
Fax: 573-526-4404
Email: specialeducation@dese.mo.gov
Office of Special Education Compliance
Phone: 573-751-06990
Email: secompliance@dese.mo.gov